Municipal forest can follow in Cumberland’s footsteps

Thanks to “Where do we stand”, North Cowichan council, and many other concerned people for your positive action in exploring alternatives for the North Cowichan municipal forest.

I applaud and support your efforts. Along with careful management of this publicly-owned forest, we could also work together to increase the amount of healthy forest in the Cowichan Valley by purchasing, restoring, and caring for more forest land.

In a recent visit to the Comox Valley I was inspired to see that since 2000 the Cumberland Community Forest Society has purchased 110 hectares of forest and placed it under a conservation covenant to ensure its future protection. Their work has been guided by the belief that their forest is now worth more to the community for recreational, spiritual, and ecosystem services than as timber. We can do the same thing in the Cowichan Valley. The Cowichan Community Land Trust is prepared to work with people who want to preserve or enhance the natural and human environment in the region. The Land Trust welcomes volunteers, supporters, and partners. To learn more, visit the website at www.cowichanlandtrust.ca or visit the office at 55 Station St. in downtown Duncan.